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Quick answer

Yes. Indian passport holders need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa (B-2 for tourism or visiting family). The application fee is USD 185, and B-1/B-2 visas for Indians are issued for up to 10 years, multiple entry, with no issuance fee. Fill in the DS-160 online, give fingerprints and photo at a Visa Application Center, then attend an in-person interview; Kerala falls under the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai, where the average wait for a visitor interview was about 7 months in September 2026.

USA visa for Indians at a glance

Visa needed for tourism?Yes — B-2 (or combined B-1/B-2) visitor visa1
Application (MRV) feeUSD 185, non-refundable2
Visa validity for IndiansUp to 120 months (10 years), multiple entry3
Visa issuance (reciprocity) feeNone for Indian B-1/B-23
Length of stayDecided by the U.S. immigration officer at entry (I-94 record)1
InterviewGenerally required in person; limited waiver for some renewals4
Wait time — ChennaiB1/B2 interview: 7 months average; next slot 7.5 months (updated 17 Sep 2026)5
Consular exchange rateINR 98 per USD 1 from 25 May 20266

Visa options for Indian passport holders

B-1/B-2 visitor visa (tourism, visiting family or friends)723589

Who can use it
Indian passport holders
Stay
Set by CBP at the port of entry and shown on your I-94 record
Validity
Up to 120 months (10 years)
Entries
Multiple
Fee
USD 185 application (MRV) fee, paid in Indian rupees; no issuance fee for Indians
Processing time
Interview wait depends on the post (Chennai: about 7 months average, Sep 2026). After interview, processing is typically 7–10 working days, but can take longer.
Where to apply
DS-160 online (https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/), then book and pay via the U.S. visa appointment system for India (https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en)
Good to know
Two appointments: a Visa Application Center (VAC) visit for fingerprints and photo, and an interview at the U.S. Embassy or a Consulate. Book the VAC at least 2 business days before the interview. The MRV fee receipt is valid 365 days for booking.

Interview waiver (renewals only)410

Who can use it
Adults renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2 or B1/B2 visa that is still valid or expired within the last 12 months, issued when they were 18 or older, never refused, applying in India
Stay
As above
Validity
As above
Entries
Multiple
Fee
USD 185
Processing time
Allow up to 3 weeks from passport drop-off
Where to apply
U.S. visa appointment system for India; drop passport and documents at a drop-off location
Good to know
All 10 fingerprints must have been taken for the last visa. A consular officer can still call you for an interview.

Documents to prepare

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the U.S. Each person, including children, needs a separate application.7
  • DS-160 confirmation page. Photo uploaded in the DS-160 (bring a printed one if the upload fails). Glasses are not allowed in visa photos.710
  • Application fee payment receipt.7
  • You may be asked for proof of trip purpose, your plan to leave the U.S., and ability to pay — for example employment and family-tie evidence. An invitation letter or Affidavit of Support is not needed.7
  • Renewals by interview waiver: current and old passport (with the U.S. visa), DS-160 page, one 5 cm x 5 cm colour photo on a white background taken within 6 months, and the appointment letter.10

Before you fly and on arrival

  • A visa does not guarantee entry. The CBP officer at the airport decides admission and how long you can stay, and gives an admission stamp or Form I-94.71
  • Your photo and fingerprints are taken again at the port of entry.1

Applying from Kerala

  • Kerala is in the consular district of the U.S. Consulate General Chennai (220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, Chennai 600 006).11
  • Fingerprints and photos are taken at a Visa Application Center; VACs are listed in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi — there is no VAC in Kerala.9
  • Interviews are held at the U.S. Embassy New Delhi or the Consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata or Mumbai. The State Department says to apply in your country of residence or nationality (updated 15 Jul 2026).912
  • Kochi has a document drop-off and passport collection location: 1st Floor, Coastal Chambers, opp. Mercy Hotel, M.G. Road, Ravipuram, Kochi 682015 (Mon–Fri 10:00–16:00). It follows the Chennai Consulate holiday calendar.913
  • Current B1/B2 interview wait times (17 Sep 2026): Chennai 7 months, Kolkata 6, New Delhi 7.5, Mumbai 11, Hyderabad 11.5.5

Extending your stay

  • To stay beyond the date on your admission stamp or I-94, apply to USCIS to extend your stay.7
  • Overstaying voids your visa automatically (INA 222(g)), including a multiple-entry visa, and can make you ineligible for future visas.7
  • You cannot work on a B-1/B-2 visa.7

What changed recently

  • 1 October 2025: Interview waivers narrowed: most applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, now need an in-person interview. Waivers remain mainly for adults renewing a full-validity B visa within 12 months of expiry.4
  • 25 May 2026: The consular exchange rate for fee payment in India changed from INR 96 to INR 98 per USD.6
  • 15 July 2026: Applicants should book interviews in their country of nationality or residence; applying elsewhere may mean longer waits and a harder case.12

How Albah Holidays can help

  • We handle USA visa applications from our office in Kozhikode — we check your case, give you the exact document checklist, fill in the application and book any appointment.
  • Where fingerprints or an interview are needed, you attend in person — we prepare you for it and follow up until the decision.
  • Flights from Calicut, Kannur or Kochi, hotels and travel insurance — booked together with us.
  • Send your passport copy and travel dates on WhatsApp, or visit our office in Eranhipalam, Kozhikode.
  • Flights to USA from Calicut, Kannur or Kochi, booked with your visa so the dates line up and the name on the ticket matches the passport.

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Frequently asked questions

Do Indians need a visa for the USA?

Yes. Indian citizens need a B-2 (tourist) or B-1/B-2 visitor visa, applied for in advance at the U.S. Embassy or a Consulate in India.71

How much is the US visitor visa fee for Indians?

USD 185, paid in rupees before the interview. It is not refunded if the visa is refused. Indians pay no issuance fee for B-1/B-2.238

How long is a US tourist visa valid for Indians?

Up to 10 years (120 months) with multiple entries. The officer at the airport decides how long each stay can be.37

Where do Kerala residents attend the US visa interview?

Kerala is in the Chennai Consulate's district. You give fingerprints at a VAC (the nearest is Chennai) and attend the interview at the Embassy or a Consulate in India.119

How long is the US visa appointment wait from Chennai?

On 17 September 2026, the average B1/B2 interview wait in Chennai was 7 months, with the next slot 7.5 months away. Apply early.5

Can I skip the interview when renewing?

Possibly, if you are renewing a full-validity B visa within 12 months of expiry, were 18+ when it was issued, and have never been refused.410

Official sources

  1. Nonimmigrant Visas — U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India. checked 24 September 2026.
  2. Fees for Visa Services — U.S. Department of State – travel.state.gov. checked 24 September 2026.
  3. India – Reciprocity Schedule — U.S. Department of State – travel.state.gov. checked 24 September 2026.
  4. Interview Waiver Update September 18, 2025 — U.S. Department of State – travel.state.gov. Page updated 2025-09-18; checked 24 September 2026.
  5. Global Visa Wait Times — U.S. Department of State – travel.state.gov. Page updated 2026-09-17; checked 24 September 2026.
  6. Visas — U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India. Page updated 2026-08-18; checked 24 September 2026.
  7. Visitor Visa — U.S. Department of State – travel.state.gov. checked 24 September 2026.
  8. Pay your visa fees (India) — U.S. visa information and appointment service for India (ustraveldocs.com, linked from in.usembassy.gov). checked 24 September 2026.
  9. Schedule your appointment (India) — U.S. visa information and appointment service for India (ustraveldocs.com). checked 24 September 2026.
  10. Waive my interview and renew my visa (India) — U.S. visa information and appointment service for India (ustraveldocs.com). checked 24 September 2026.
  11. U.S. Consulate General Chennai — U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India. Page updated 2026-06-15; checked 24 September 2026.
  12. Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Applicants in Their Country of Residence — U.S. Department of State – travel.state.gov. Page updated 2026-07-15; checked 24 September 2026.
  13. Document drop-off locations (India) — U.S. visa information and appointment service for India (ustraveldocs.com). checked 24 September 2026.

Rules, fees and processing times can change without notice. Every fact on this page was checked against the official sources above on 24 September 2026. Confirm before you travel — we recheck the current rules for every application we handle.

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